Colorado County Clerks honor Kirkmeyer

Former Weld Commissioner dismisses election deniers

BY LYNN BARTELS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

DURANGO - Colorado’s county clerks honored Brighton Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer for her efforts in helping them update voting policies and priorities, including reimbursements for the cost of running elections.

Kirkmeyer was one of four state lawmakers singled out by the Colorado County Clerks Association at its summer conference in Durango that concluded on June 29.

“Voting is the single most significant way Americans exercise their political power,” she said.

“Thank you to the county clerks of Colorado. You ensure the opportunity to fully participate in the democratic process and freely vote for the candidates and issues that represent my values, my beliefs. You are at the heart of democracy.”

Kirkmeyer, a member of the powerful Joint Budget Committee, was instrumental in proposing legislation that increased the amount the Secretary of State’s office reimburses counties for running elections with statewide measures on the ballot. Currently, counties receive between 80 and 90 cents for each active registered voter.

Beginning July 2024, the state will pay 45 percent of the cost of any election with state-certified ballot content.

Clerks were thrilled - and relieved - with the increase.

“The additional reimbursement means a great deal to Lincoln County taxpayers who have spent numerous years paying for ballot `real estate’ taken up by state candidates, issues and questions,” said Lincoln County Clerk Corinne Lengel.

“Sen. Kirkmeyer heard our cry and worked diligently to ensure the state pays its fair